If you are eligible for a Doctoral Loan, you can get up to:
- £28,673 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2023
- £27,892 if your course starts between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023
- £27,265 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022
The amount you’ll get is not based on you or your family’s income. The loan is paid directly to you. You can use it for your course fees and living costs. The loan will be divided equally across each year of your course.
If you apply after your first year
You can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan in any year of your course. But if you apply after your first year, you might not get the maximum amount. You can get up to:
- £12,167 each year if your course starts on or after 1 August 2023
- £11,836 each year if your course started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July
2023 - £11,570 each year if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July
2022
When you’re paid
You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered. The loan will be paid in 3 instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. After your application has been approved you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates or you can check them in your online account.
To find out if you are eligible please check the GOV UK Student Finance website.
If you normally live in Wales, the PG Doctoral loans work slightly differently and you would need to check the Student Finance Wales website.
You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance if you’re studying a doctoral course.